Mr. Charlie

Thinking about it, that's why they need a shrink. They're insane. They need the shrink to tell them they don't need a shrink. But the shrink has invested a whole lotta time and energy into becoming a shrink, so why would the shrink tell anyone they don't need shrinks...

Hmm, I'm a genius.... a f**king genius, I tell thee.

Stephen

Well it kind of comes back to what you were saying elsewhere about not really knowing anyone, including yourself. I personally cringe at my staggering lack of insight when I think back on incidents my past. Certain things seem so obvious in hind-sight but at the time...


I kind of see a lot of psychiatry as just mummy/daddy substitutes kissing your boo-boos and enabling you to carry on with your BS. Unless you're prepared to face some harsh truths and really pull your head out of your arse it's really wasting everyone's time.

Mr. Charlie

But do most people seek out shrinks because they think something's wrong with them? It's uncommon for someone to have a shrink in the UK (or if it isn't, they keep it quiet) and it's not an area I have much knowledge in.

Stephen

Well I'm not sure about the US. If you go by what you see on TV all Americans have a shrink and a plastic surgeon on speed dial. But yeah I guess generally it's to try and correct whatever disfunction is impeding your life.

Mr. Charlie

Someone should tell them their (self-perceived) faults are integral and beautiful. Like a great oak covered in gnarls, remove the gnarls and the great oak ain't so oaky. Or a river full of algae, remove the algae and the water's too pure for fish. Imperfections are what make things perfect.

Stephen

That would require an acceptance that not everything can be controlled. Some people aren't so good at embracing uncertainty. It's like someone gave them dominion over all things .

Mr. Charlie

Ahh, the illusion of control. I'm with ya.

blankety blank

Because they push the pen for Big Pharma. They push the illicit drugs, and then the Pharmacist deals them out to all the helpless addicts they've created. It's no different than how the cartels operate down the line to addicts on the street. Big Pharma uses a different agency, however. The use the FDA, not the CIA. That's all.

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The passing traveler stops for food and music.

Paedantic Basterd

There are lots of reasons to seek council with a therapist of some sort, and many of those reasons are related to improvement of your everyday quality of living. Psychological disorders, help negotiating relationships, anxiety and depression, vocational counselling, even just to help you maximize the positive aspects of your life. Seeing a psychologist/psychiatrist isn't strictly a last resort, and shouldn't be in an ideal world where it's accessible.

The two big ones are anxiety and depression though.

Scarlett O'Hara

This.

I have been depressed and had post traumatic stress disorder (after the earthquake and being physically assaulted). I also have a serious medical condition that causes me pain all the time (as well as causing me to have an allergy, back pain and another medical condition). I have reached out for counselling many times. Ironically I've worked in a Psychologists office. I think it's so important to talk to someone who isn't your friend or family because it gives you a clearer perspective and they can change the way you think about yourself and your situation. I used to get incredibly stressed and anxious but thanks to counselling and family support I have gotten through it and become a stronger person.

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